How to Protect a Computer From Viruses for Free

protect your computer from Viruses for free

Doesn't it bother you when you can't surf the Web freely without worrying about your computer becoming infected? Infections compromise your privacy and can do a lot of damage to your computer files. It's almost always possible to remove a virus without reinstalling your operating system, but protecting yourself ahead of time is easier. Well-known antivirus companies provide free versions of their programs to protect your computer. These free versions don't include all the bells and whistles of the paid versions, but they get the job done.

Things You'll Need

• Latest version of AVG (its free)
• Latest version of Avira Anti Vir (its free)
• Latest version of Zone Alarm (its free)

Instructions

1. Open your preferred Web browser and download AVG Anti-Virus Free edition. AVG provides a variety of security tools as part of their product lineup. The free edition is designed to provide protection for you while browsing the Internet and using social networks.

2. Go to the Microsoft Security Essentials website to download MSE for your computer. MSE is Microsoft's answer to providing an antivirus for your Windows system. It includes all the features you'd expect to find in a full-fledged antivirus, including real-time scanning, attachment scanning, Internet protection and scheduled system scans.

3. Download the open-source ClamWin Antivirus. The ClamAV engine that powers ClamWin is a well-known server scanning engine. The ClamWin version provides individual file and system scanning, but doesn't include real-time protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Update regularly

• If you still experience serious infections you may want to refer to article "How to get rid of viruses on your PC for Free" (link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4785724_rid-of-viruses-pc.html)

• Be cautious of the firewall program as it may block other programs if you don't pay attention to what you allow or block.

Resources

• Microsoft Security Essentials
• AVG: Anti-Virus Free
• ClamWin Antivirus